November 2023

Renick celebrates a century
Former Shell Knob resident Freda Renick, of Lee's Summit, turned 100 years old on Nov. 4.
Tumble on by SKITS’ fall play
The Shell Knob in The Spotlight (SKITS) community theater actors group are working arduously putting the finishing touches on their respective roles for the comedy “Trouble-In-Tumbleweed.” The play will be on stage Nov. 17-19 at the Central Community United Methodist Church in Shell Knob.
Scoreboard, Nov. 8
Cassville had five runners compete in the MSHSAA Class 3 State XC Championships 2023 at Gans Creek Cross Country in Columbia on Saturday. For the boys, senior Ethan Bohmke finished 117th with a time of 17:58, freshman Trever Garnett finished 123rd with a time of 18:05, and freshman Michael Tolbert finished 133rd with a time of 18:16.
Purdy volleyball building culture
The Purdy volleyball team, under a new coach this year, exceeded its combined win total over the last two years and is building a culture for future success. Barry Wheeler, Purdy volleyball coach, said the team was a win short of its main team goal, reaching the district semifinals.
New heating units at County Courthouse
The historic Barry County Courthouse has been updated over the last three weeks, with about 50 new geothermal units being installed at the building. Steve Blankenship, Barry County presiding commissioner, said bids were put out for the project last summer, and the total cost is about $300,000.

Surrounded by service
Elliot’s upbringing spurs nearly 20 years in Marine Corps, Army Surrounded by so many family and friends who were veterans, Benji Elliot, of Shell Knob, knew early on he wanted to be involved in the military. Elliot was not even out of high school when he put his name on the line for his country, enlisting in 1997, his junior year at Cassville High School, and training monthly in Springfield.

Something’s afoot
Is there a Bigfoot lurking in the Mark Twain National Forest in Barry County? Rick Dyer, master tracker and longtime Bigfoot hunter, insists there is, and he intends to find it. Dyer and Jeremy Ware, fellow master tracker, are started working last week with a film production company to produce a documentary for the Discovery Channel, a fivepart series filmed primarily in Butler Hollow near Seligman and the forest.

Local businesses in the Halloween spirit
Many local businesses’ employees took advantage of Halloween to wear something different to their places of work. Below are photos of businesses who submitted photos of their employees on Oct.

Exeter PTO Carnival a hit
Mallorie Brooks, 5, of Washburn, received unicorn-themed face paint from Alshia Newton, of Exeter, during the Exeter PTO Carnival on Saturday. The event featured numerous games and giveaways throughout the multi-purpose room and hallways. Kyle Troutman/ktroutman@cassville- democrat.com
News briefs, Nov. 8
Cassville High School will host its 35th annual Veterans Day assembly on Friday at 9 a.m. in the high school gymnasium.